TIcaGrEloR and Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold implantation for recovery of vascular function after successful chronic total occlusion recanalization (TIGER-BVS trial): Rationale and study design.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the role of ticagrelor versus clopidogrel in coronary blood flow normalization immediately after chronic coronary total occlusion (CTO) recanalization. BACKGROUND: Coronary vascular function of a CTO immediately after recanalization is demonstrated to be poor. METHODS: The TIGER BVS is a prospective, double-randomized, open-label, two parallel-group controlled clinical trial to evaluate efficacy of ticagrelor versus clopidogrel in improving vascular function of coronary segment distal to CTO immediately after CTO recanalization. A total of 50 patients who receive CTO PCI will be randomized 1:1 to receive ticagrelor versus clopidogrel at least 3 days before the procedure. Immediately after CTO recanalization with Absorb BVS implantation, a specific study of vascular function under adenosine infusion will be performed. Patients will be therefore randomized 1:1 to receive angiographic follow-up with vascular function and optical coherence tomography analyses at 1- or 3-year follow-up. This study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with number NCT02211066. CONCLUSIONS: The TIGER BVS trial will provide the first randomized comparison between ticagrelor versus clopidogrel in recovering vascular function in CTO patients. It will also provide important data on vascular restoration therapy of Absorb BVS in this scenario.

[Alcohol, drug and tobacco use amongst adolescents in Barcelona region]. / Hábitos tóxicos de los adolescentes.

AIMS: to describe consumption, knowledge and attitudes towards alcohol, tobacco an "illicit drugs" amongst teenagers aged 12-15 years. DESIGN: cross-sectional study. RECRUITMENT: high schools from Barcelona area. PARTICIPANTS: 407 studies of ESO (Secondary education) aged 12-15, academic year 2007-2008. SURVEY MEASURES: demographic characteristics, alcohol, tobacco and drug use, opinion and information about them. It was an ad hoc questionnaire of 22 items, anonymous and filled in by each student. RESULTS: the sample (n = 348) consisted of 50% of women and 50% of men. Mean age: 13.91 years old. The largest group was 14 years old. 35,34% of pupils had tried tobacco, 55,17% alcohol, 9,8% cannabis, 1% cocaine and 0,5% synthetic drugs. 72,41% tried them because they were curious. 40% did not consider alcohol as a drug. Tobacco and alcohol were accessible in more than 85% of the cases. The main source of information comes from the media 49,75%. CONCLUSIONS: adolescents start tobacco consumption between 12-13 years, alcohol at 13, cannabis at 14 synthetic drugs at 13 and cocaine between 14 and 15. The most used substances are alcohol and tobacco and they were not considered drugs by more than half of the surveyed. They believe availability is high. More than half of the sample would like to receive more information about drugs.

High Incidence of Cataracts in the Follow-Up of Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Chronic Coronary Total Occlusion.

Development of cataracts is a well-known adverse effect of ionizing radiation, but little information is available on their incidence in patients after other medical procedures, such as cardiac catheterizations. The study objective was to determine the incidence of cataracts in a cohort of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic coronary total occlusion (CTO) and its association with radiation dose. The study analyzed the incidence of cataracts during the follow-up of 126 patients who underwent chronic total coronary PCI, using Cox regression to identify predictive factors of cataract development. The study included 126 patients, 86.9% male, with a mean age of 60.5 years (range, 55.0-68.0 years). Twenty-three (18.2% n = 23) developed cataracts during a mean follow-up of 49.5 months (range 37.3-64.5 months). A higher incidence was observed in patients who received more than 5 Gy (29.0% vs. 14.7%, Hazard ratio (HR = 2.84 [1.19-6.77]). Multivariate analysis revealed a relationship between cataract development during the follow-up and a receipt of radiation dose >5 Gy (HR = 2.60, 95% confidence interval [CI 1.03-6.61]; p = 0.03), presence or history of predisposing eye disease (HR = 4.42, CI:1.57-12.40), diabetes (HR = 3.33 [1.22-9.24]), and older age, as in >57 (HR, 6.40 [1.81-22.61]). An elevated incidence of cataracts was observed in patients after PCI for CTO. The onset of cataracts is related to the radiation dose during catheterization, which is a potentially avoidable effect of which operators should be aware.

Choice of CTO scores to predict procedural success in clinical practice. A comparison of 4 different CTO PCI scores in a comprehensive national registry including expert and learning CTO operators.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare the performance of the recent CASTLE score to J-CTO, CL and PROGRESS CTO scores in a comprehensive database of percutaneous coronary intervention of chronic total occlusion procedures. METHODS: Scores were calculated using raw data from 1,342 chronic total occlusion procedures included in REBECO Registry that includes learning and expert operators. Calibration, discrimination and reclassification were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: Mean score values were: CASTLE 1.60±1.10, J-CTO 2.15±1.24, PROGRESS 1.68±0.94 and CL 2.52±1.52 points. The overall percutaneous coronary intervention success rate was 77.8%. Calibration was good for CASTLE and CL, but not for J-CTO or PROGRESS scores. Discrimination: the area under the curve (AUC) of CASTLE (0.633) was significantly higher than PROGRESS (0.557) and similar to J-CTO (0.628) and CL (0.652). Reclassification: CASTLE, as assessed by integrated discrimination improvement, was superior to PROGRESS (integrated discrimination improvement +0.036, p<0.001), similar to J-CTO and slightly inferior to CL score (- 0.011, p = 0.004). Regarding net reclassification improvement, CASTLE reclassified better than PROGRESS (overall continuous net reclassification improvement 0.379, p<0.001) in roughly 20% of cases. CONCLUSION: Procedural percutaneous coronary intervention difficulty is not consistently depicted by available chronic total occlusion scores and is influenced by the characteristics of each chronic total occlusion cohort. In our study population, including expert and learning operators, the CASTLE score had slightly better overall performance along with CL score. However, we found only intermediate performance in the c-statistic predicting chronic total occlusion success among all scores.

Procedural, Functional and Prognostic Outcomes Following Recanalization of Coronary Chronic Total Occlusions. Results of the Iberian Registry.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: There is current controversy regarding the benefits of percutaneous recanalization (PCI) of chronic total coronary occlusions (CTO). Our aim was to determine acute and follow-up outcomes in our setting. METHODS: Two-year prospective registry of consecutive patients undergoing PCI of CTO in 24 centers. RESULTS: A total of 1000 PCIs of CTO were performed in 952 patients. Most were symptomatic (81.5%), with chronic ischemic heart disease (59.2%). Previous recanalization attempts had been made in 15%. The mean SYNTAX score was 19.5 ± 10.6 and J-score was > 2 in 17.3%. A retrograde procedure was performed in 92 patients (9.2%). The success rate was 74.9% and was higher in patients without previous attempts (82.2% vs 75.2%; P = .001), those with a J-score ≤ 2 (80.5% vs 69.5%; P = .002), and in intravascular ultrasound-guided PCI (89.9% vs 76.2%, P = .001), which was an independent predictor of success. In contrast, severe calcification, length > 20mm, and blunt proximal cap were independent predictors of failed recanalization. The rate of procedural complications was 7.1%, including perforation (3%), myocardial infarction (1.3%), and death (0.5%). At 1-year of follow-up, 88.2% of successfully revascularized patients showed clinical improvement (vs 34.8%, P < .001), which was associated with lower mortality. At 1-year of follow-up, the mortality rate was 1.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with other national registries, patients in the Iberian registry undergoing PCI of a CTO showed similar complexity, success rate, and complications. Successful recanalization was strongly associated with functional improvement, which was related to lower mortality.

Clinical and Genetic Diagnosis of Nonischemic Sudden Cardiac Death.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Nonischemic sudden cardiac death (SCD) is predominantly caused by cardiomyopathies and channelopathies. There are many diagnostic tests, including some complex techniques. Our aim was to analyze the diagnostic yield of a systematic diagnostic protocol in a specialized unit. METHODS: The study included 56 families with at least 1 index case of SCD (resuscitated or not). Survivors were studied with electrocardiogram, advanced cardiac imaging, exercise testing, familial study, genetic testing and, in some cases, pharmacological testing. Families with deceased probands were studied using the postmortem findings, familial evaluation, and molecular autopsy with next-generation sequencing (NGS). RESULTS: A positive diagnosis was obtained in 80.4% of the cases, with no differences between survivors and nonsurvivors (P=.53). Cardiac channelopathies were more prevalent among survivors than nonsurvivors (66.6% vs 40%, P=.03). Among the 30 deceased probands, the definitive diagnosis was given by autopsy in 7. A diagnosis of cardiomyopathy tended to be associated with a higher event rate in the family. Genetic testing with NGS was performed in 42 index cases, with a positive result in 28 (66.6%), with no differences between survivors and nonsurvivors (P=.21). CONCLUSIONS: There is a strong likelihood of reaching a diagnosis in SCD after a rigorous protocol, with a more prevalent diagnosis of channelopathy among survivors and a worse familial prognosis in cardiomyopathies. Genetic testing with NGS is useful and its value is increasing with respect to the Sanger method.

Resultados inmediatos e impacto funcional y pronóstico tras la recanalización de oclusiones coronarias crónicas. Resultados del Registro Ibérico / Procedural, functional and prognostic outcomes following recanalization of coronary chronic total occlusions. Results of the Iberian Registry

Introducción y objetivos: El impacto de la intervención coronaria percutánea (ICP) sobre oclusiones coronarias crónicas totales (OCT) presenta controversias. Se analizan los resultados agudos y al seguimiento en nuestro entorno. Métodos: Registro prospectivo de ICP sobre OCT en 24 centros durante 2 años. Resultados: Se realizaron 1.000 ICP sobre OCT en 952 pacientes. La mayoría tenía síntomas (81,5%) y cardiopatía isquémica previa (59,2%), y hubo intentos de desobstrucción previos en un 15%. El SYNTAX anatómico fue 19,5 +/- 10,6 y tenía J-score > 2 el 17,3%. El procedimiento fue retrógrado en 92 pacientes (9,2%). La tasa de éxito fue del 74,9%, mayor en aquellos sin ICP previa (el 82,2 frente al 75,2%; p = 0,001), con J-score ≤ 2 (el 80,5 frente al 69,5%; p = 0,002) y con el uso de ecografía intravascular (el 89,9 frente al 76,2%; p = 0,001), que fue predictor independiente del éxito. Por el contrario, lesiones calcificadas, > 20 mm o con muñón proximal romo lo fueron de fracaso. El 7,1% tuvo complicaciones, como perforación (3%), infarto (1,3%) o muerte (0,5%). Al año de seguimiento, el 88,2% mejoró clínicamente en caso de ICP exitosa (frente al 34,8%; p < 0,001). Dicha mejoría se asoció con menor mortalidad. La tasa de mortalidad al año fue del 1,5%. Conclusiones: Los pacientes del Registro Ibérico con OCT tratados con ICP presentan complejidad clínico-anatómica, tasas de éxito y complicaciones similares a los de otros registros nacionales e importante impacto de la recanalización exitosa en la mejoría funcional, que a su vez se asoció con menor mortalidad

Introduction and objectives: There is current controversy regarding the benefits of percutaneous recanalization (PCI) of chronic total coronary occlusions (CTO). Our aim was to determine acute and follow-up outcomes in our setting. Methods: Two-year prospective registry of consecutive patients undergoing PCI of CTO in 24 centers. Results: A total of 1000 PCIs of CTO were performed in 952 patients. Most were symptomatic (81.5%), with chronic ischemic heart disease (59.2%). Previous recanalization attempts had been made in 15%. The mean SYNTAX score was 19.5 +/- 10.6 and J-score was > 2 in 17.3%. A retrograde procedure was performed in 92 patients (9.2%). The success rate was 74.9% and was higher in patients without previous attempts (82.2% vs 75.2%; P = .001), those with a J-score ≤ 2 (80.5% vs 69.5%; P = .002), and in intravascular ultrasound-guided PCI (89.9% vs 76.2%, P = .001), which was an independent predictor of success. In contrast, severe calcification, length > 20mm, and blunt proximal cap were independent predictors of failed recanalization. The rate of procedural complications was 7.1%, including perforation (3%), myocardial infarction (1.3%), and death (0.5%). At 1-year of follow-up, 88.2% of successfully revascularized patients showed clinical improvement (vs 34.8%, P < .001), which was associated with lower mortality. At 1-year of follow-up, the mortality rate was 1.5%. Conclusions: Compared with other national registries, patients in the Iberian registry undergoing PCI of a CTO showed similar complexity, success rate, and complications. Successful recanalization was strongly associated with functional improvement, which was related to lower mortality

Diagnóstico clínico y genético de la muerte súbita cardiaca de origen no isquémico / Clinical and genetic diagnosis of nonischemic sudden cardiac death

Introducción y objetivos: La muerte súbita cardiaca (MSC) de origen no isquémico está causada predominantemente por miocardiopatías y canalopatías. La batería de test diagnósticos es amplia e incluye pruebas complejas. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es analizar la rentabilidad diagnóstica del estudio etiológico sistematizado de la MSC. Métodos: Se estudió a 56 familias con al menos 1 caso índice con MSC (reanimada o no). En los supervivientes se exploró con electrocardiograma, imagen cardiaca avanzada, ergometría, estudio familiar, estudio genético y, puntualmente, test farmacológicos. En los fallecidos se examinó la necropsia, así como la autopsia molecular con next generation sequencing (NGS), junto con estudio clínico familiar. Resultados: El diagnóstico se alcanzó en el 80,4% de los casos, sin diferencias entre supervivientes y fallecidos (p = 0,53). Entre los supervivientes, el diagnóstico de canalopatía fue más frecuente que entre los fallecidos (el 66,6 frente al 40%; p = 0,03). De los 30 sujetos fallecidos, en 7 la autopsia aportó un hallazgo concluyente. El diagnóstico de miocardiopatía tendía a asociarse con mayor tasa de eventos en la familia. El test genético con NGS se realizó en 42 de los casos; se obtuvo resultado positivo en 28 (66,6%), sin diferencias entre supervivientes y fallecidos (p = 0,21). Conclusiones: La probabilidad de alcanzar el diagnóstico en la MSC tras un protocolo exhaustivo es alta, con mayor prevalencia de canalopatías en los supervivientes y un aparente peor pronóstico en las miocardiopatías. El test genético mediante NGS muestra utilidad en casos de MSC e incrementa la rentabilidad respecto al estudio con Sanger (AU)

Introduction and objectives: Nonischemic sudden cardiac death (SCD) is predominantly caused by cardiomyopathies and channelopathies. There are many diagnostic tests, including some complex techniques. Our aim was to analyze the diagnostic yield of a systematic diagnostic protocol in a specialized unit. Methods: The study included 56 families with at least 1 index case of SCD (resuscitated or not). Survivors were studied with electrocardiogram, advanced cardiac imaging, exercise testing, familial study, genetic testing and, in some cases, pharmacological testing. Families with deceased probands were studied using the postmortem findings, familial evaluation, and molecular autopsy with next-generation sequencing (NGS). Results: A positive diagnosis was obtained in 80.4% of the cases, with no differences between survivors and nonsurvivors (P = .53). Cardiac channelopathies were more prevalent among survivors than nonsurvivors (66.6% vs 40%, P = .03). Among the 30 deceased probands, the definitive diagnosis was given by autopsy in 7. A diagnosis of cardiomyopathy tended to be associated with a higher event rate in the family. Genetic testing with NGS was performed in 42 index cases, with a positive result in 28 (66.6%), with no differences between survivors and nonsurvivors (P = .21). Conclusions: There is a strong likelihood of reaching a diagnosis in SCD after a rigorous protocol, with a more prevalent diagnosis of channelopathy among survivors and a worse familial prognosis in cardiomyopathies. Genetic testing with NGS is useful and its value is increasing with respect to the Sanger method (AU)

Hábitos tóxicos de los adolescentes / Alcohol, Drug and Tobacco use amongst adolescents in Barcelona region

Objetivo: describir el consumo, conocimientos y actitudes sobre sustancias tóxicas en el grupo de edad de 12 a 15 años. Diseño: estudio transversal descriptivo. Emplazamiento: centros de educación secundaria. Nivel de atención sanitaria: Salud Comunitaria. Participantes: 407 estudiantes de ESO, de la provincia de Barcelona entre 12 y 15 años de edad (curso académico 2007-2008). Mediciones principales: variables sociodemográficas, hábitos tóxicos, opinión e información sobre tabaco, alcohol, cannabis, cocaína y drogas de síntesis mediante cuestionario ad hoc de 22 ítems, anónimo y autocumplimentado. Resultados: las encuestas válidas (n=348) procedían en un 50% de mujeres y otro 50% de varones, con edad media de 13’91 años. El grupo más extenso era el de 14 años. Un 35,34% del total de alumnos había probado tabaco; 55,17% alcohol; 9,8% cannabis; 1,1% cocaína; y 0,5% drogas de síntesis. El 72,41% las probó por curiosidad. Un 40% de los alumnos no consideraba el alcohol una droga. Tabaco y alcohol se estiman accesibles en más del 85% de los casos. La principal fuente de información procedía de los medios de comunicación (49,7%). Conclusiones: los adolescentes empiezan a consumir tabaco entre los 12 y 13 años; alcohol con 13; cannabis con 14; drogas de síntesis con 13 y cocaína entre los 14 y 15 años. Las sustancias más consumidas son el alcohol y el tabaco; no siendo consideradas como drogas por más de la mitad de los encuestados. La mayor parte de ellos afirma que la accesibilidad es alta. Más de la mitad de la muestra desearía recibir más información. Nota de las autoras. El estudio que nos ha permitido realizar el artículo, ha sido elaborado como tesina del Máster en Enfermería de Salud Pública y Comunitaria que ofrece bianualmente la Universidad de Barcelona(AU)

Aims: to describe consumption, knowledge and attitudes towards alcohol, tobacco an «illicit drugs» amongst teenagers aged 12-15 years. Design: cross-sectional study. Recruitment: high schools from Barcelona area. Participants: 407 studies of ESO (Secondary education) aged 12-15, academic year 2007-2008. Survey measures: demographic characteristics, alcohol, tobacco and drug use, opinion and information about them. It was an ad hoc questionnaire of 22 items, anonymous and filled in by each student. Results: the sample (n= 348) consisted of 50% of women and 50% of men. Mean age: 13.91 years old. The largest group was 14 years old. 35,34% of pupils had tried tobacco, 55,17% alcohol, 9,8% cannabis, 1% cocaine and 0,5% synthetic drugs. 72,41% tried them because they were curious. 40% did not consider alcohol as a drug. Tobacco and alcohol were accessible in more than 85% of the cases. The main source of information comes from de media 49,75%. Conclusions: adolescents start tobacco consumption between 12-13 years, alcohol at 13, cannabis at 14 synthetic drugs at 13 and cocaine between 14 and 15. The most used substances are alcohol and tobacco and they were not considered drugs by more than half of the surveyed. They believe availability is high. More than half of the sample would like to receive more information about drugs(AU)