Time-Dependent Risk for Recurrence in Survivors of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of the population with a history of an occlusive cardiovascular event has been increasing in recent years, which means that a large number of patients will have a higher risk of presenting a fatal recurrence. The aim is to determine variables associated with time-to-recurrent cardiovascular events and analyze how changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels during follow-up may be associated with this time-to-event. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective observational cohort study of 727 adults with a history of at least one occlusive cardiovascular event recruited at a referral hospital in northeastern Colombia. Data from a follow-up period of a maximum of 33 months (median 26 months) (one death) were used to define how clinical and sociodemographic variables impact the recurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Analyses were performed based on proportional hazard models and time-dependent hazard models. RESULTS: Upon enrollment, 215 (30%) of the participants reported experiencing their most recent cardiovascular event within the preceding year. After two years, the recurrence rate was 12.38% (90/727). The risk of recurrence before two years was 3.9% (95% CI 2.7-5.6). In the multiple models, the presence of severe depression gives a Hazard Ratio of 8.25 (95% CI 2.98-22.86) and LDL ≥120 md/dl Hazard Ratio of 2.12 (95% CI 1.2 -3.9). It was found that LDL >120 mg/dl maintained over time increases the chances of recurrence by 1.7% (Hazard Ratio: 1.017, 95% CI 0.008-0.025). CONCLUSIONS: The present study allows us to identify a profile of patients who should be treated promptly in an interdisciplinary manner to avoid recurrences of coronary events.

Factors Associated With Mortality During the First Year Post Infarction: Survival Analysis of Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction in Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular diseases account for over 80% of global deaths. Risk factors and social determinants influence mortality in patients post acute myocardial infarction (AMI). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate factors associated with post-AMI mortality during the one-year follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is a prospective cohort study of adults aged 18 years and older with type 1 AMI conducted between October 2021 and January 2024. Intrahospital and outpatient information was collected. Statistical analyses included the Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Cox regression analysis. Proportional hazards and model predictive capacity were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 1873 patients were included, with a 9.4% mortality rate in the first year. At one year, the estimated survival probability was 88.61% (95% CI: 86.82-90.18). Cox analysis identified several factors associated with mortality, highlighting age (HR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02-1.06, p = 0.001), diabetes (HR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.09-2.87, p = 0.020), renal insufficiency (HR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.32-3.84, p = 0.003), and type of intervention. The model evaluation showed strong predictive capacity. CONCLUSIONS: It is essential to emphasize the importance of comprehensive management in AMI patients with risk factors such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease, as they are significant predictors of mortality during the first year post infarction.

Outcomes and Associated Extracardiac Malformations in Neonates from Colombia with Severe Congenital Heart Disease.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a common structural anomaly, affecting ~ 1% of live births worldwide. Advancements in medical and surgical management have significantly improved survival for children with CHD, however, extracardiac malformations (ECM) continue to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Despite clinical significance, there is limited literature available on ECM in neonates with CHD, especially from Latin America. A cross-sectional study of neonates with severe CHD evaluated by the medical-surgical board team at Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia from 2014 to 2019 was completed to characterize morbidity, mortality, surgical outcomes, and ECM. Demographics and surgical outcomes were compared between neonates with and without ECM. Medical record data were abstracted and descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Of 378 neonates with CHD, 262 had isolated CHD (69.3%) and 116 had ECM (30.7%). The most common ECM was gastrointestinal (n = 18, 15.5%) followed by central nervous system (n = 14, 12%). Most neonates required a biventricular surgical approach (n = 220, 58.2%). Genetic testing was performed more often for neonates with ECM (n = 65, 56%) than neonates with isolated CHD (n = 14, 5.3%). Neonates with ECM had lower birth weight, longer hospital stays, and higher postsurgical complications rates. There was no difference in survival between groups. Overall, Screening for ECM in neonates with CHD is important and identification of ECM can guide clinical decision-making. These findings have important implications for pediatric healthcare providers, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of CHD is high and resources for managing CHD and extracardiac malformations may be limited.

Improving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Survival in COVID-19. Effect of a Bundle of Care.

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our program changed the model of care pursuing to protect the multidisciplinary team from the risk of infection and to serve as many patients as possible. Patient-healthcare interactions were restricted, and the ECMO bed capacity was increased by reducing the ECMO specialist-patient ratio to 1:4 with non-ECMO trained nurses support. The outcomes worsened and we paused while we evaluated and modified our model of care. The ECMO bed capacity was reduced to allow a nurse ECMO-specialist nurse ratio 2:1 with an ECMO trained nurse assistant's support. Intensivists, general practitioners, nurse assistants, and physical and respiratory therapists were trained on ECMO. Tracheostomy, bronchoscopy, and microbiological molecular diagnosis were done earlier, and family visits and rehabilitation were allowed in the first 48 hours of ECMO cannulation. There were 35 patients in the preintervention cohort and 66 in the postintervention cohort. Ninety days mortality was significantly lower after the intervention (62.9% vs. 31.8%, p = 0.003). Factors associated with increased risk of death were the need for cannulation or conversion to veno arterial or veno arterio venous ECMO, hemorrhagic stroke, and renal replacement therapy during ECMO. The interventions associated with a decrease in the risk of death were the following: early fiberoptic bronchoscopy and microbiological molecular diagnostic tests. Increasing the ECMO multidisciplinary team in relation to the number of patients and the earlier performance of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, such as tracheostomy, fiberoptic bronchoscopy, molecular microbiological diagnosis of pneumonia, rehabilitation, and family support significantly decreased mortality of patients on ECMO due to COVID-19.

Efficacy and Safety of Text Messages Targeting Adherence to Cardiovascular Medications in Secondary Prevention: TXT2HEART Colombia Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with a prevalence of approximately 100 million patients. There is evidence that antiplatelet agents and antihypertensive medications could reduce the risk of new vascular events in this population; however, treatment adherence is very low. An SMS text messaging intervention was recently developed based on behavior change techniques to increase adherence to pharmacological treatment among patients with a history of ASCVD. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an SMS text messaging intervention to improve adherence to cardiovascular medications in patients with ASCVD. METHODS: A randomized controlled clinical trial for patients with a prior diagnosis of cardiovascular events, such as acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, cerebrovascular disease, or peripheral artery disease, in one center in Colombia was conducted. Patients randomized to the intervention arm were assigned to receive SMS text messages daily for the first 4 weeks, 5 SMS text messages on week 5, 3 SMS text messages each in weeks 6 and 7, and 1 SMS text message weekly from week 8 until week 52. In contrast, patients in the control arm received a monthly SMS text message reminding them of the next study appointment and the importance of the study, requesting information about changes in their phone number, and thanking them for participating in the study. The primary endpoint was the change in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, whereas the secondary endpoints were the changes in thromboxane B2 levels, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, medication adherence, cardiac and noncardiac mortality, and hospitalization. Linear regression analyses and bivariate tests were performed. RESULTS: Of the 930 randomized patients, 805 (86.5%) completed follow-up and were analyzed for the primary endpoint. There was no evidence that the intervention changed the primary outcome (LDL-C levels; P=.41) or any of the secondary outcomes evaluated (all P>.05). There was also no evidence that the intervention was associated with adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, there was no evidence that a behavior modification intervention delivered by SMS text messaging improved LDL-C levels, blood pressure levels, or adherence at 12 months. More research is needed to evaluate whether different SMS text messaging strategies, including personalized messages and different timings, are effective; future studies should include mixed methods to better understand why, for whom, and in which context (eg, health system or social environment) SMS text messaging interventions work (or not) to improve adherence in patients with ASCVD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03098186; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03098186. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028017.

Diferencias diagnósticas en los trazados de electroencefalografía pre y post operatorios en niños después de cirugía cardíaca en una institución de referencia de Bucaramanga (Colombia) / Diagnostic differences in pre and postoperative electroencephalography tracings in children after cardiac surgery in a reference institution in Bucaramanga (Colombia)

Objetivo: determinar la presencia de cambios en los diagnósticos electroencefalográficos pre y post operatorios de niños de cero a 17 años llevados a cirugía de corazón en una institución de referencia en Colombia entre los meses de agosto a noviembre del año 2017. Materiales y métodos: se tomó electroencefalograma una hora previa al procedimiento quirúrgico cardíaco y otros siete días después procedimiento; se recolectaron datos clínicos asociados a presencia de anormalidades en el electroencefalograma. Los datos fueron sometidos a análisis descriptivo, bivariado y multivariado. Resultados: se encontraron cambios en los trazados electroencefalográficos del preoperatorio al post operatorio de dos maneras. una con deterioro de los trazados de normales a anormales y la otra con empeoramiento del trazado anormal. Conclusiones: los pacientes son intervenido presentan trazados electroencefalográfico alterados. La población llevada a cirugía cardiaca en el centro del estudio es muy diversa lo que ocasiona resultados neurológicos variados e influyen en los cambios en los trazados post operatorios..(Au)

Objective: to determine the presence of changes in the pre and postoperative electroencephalographic diagnoses of children from zero to 18 years of age who underwent heart surgery in a reference institution in Colombia between the months of August to November of 2017. Materials and methods: electroencephalogram was taken one hour prior to the cardiac surgical procedure and another seven days after the procedure, clinical data were collected associated with the presence of abnormalities in the electroencephalogram. The data were subjected to descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analysis. Results: changes in electroencephalographic traces were found from preoperative to postoperative in two ways, one with deterioration of normal to abnormal traces and the other with worsening of the abnormal tracing. Conclusions: patients are taken to surgery despite having altered paths. The population taken to cardiac surgery at the center of the study is very diverse, which causes varied neurological results and influences changes in post-operative traces..(Au)

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of text messages targeting adherence to cardiovascular medications in secondary prevention: the txt2heart Colombia randomised controlled trial protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Anti-platelet therapy, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers, beta-blockers and statins are cost-effective in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) for reducing the risk of ASCVD events. Unfortunately, there is abundant evidence that adherence to these cardiovascular medications is far from ideal. A recent Cochrane review showed a potential beneficial effect of Short Message Service (SMS) interventions on adherence to medication in ASCVD patients. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The txt2heart study is a pragmatic randomised single-blind controlled trial. The objective is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an intervention with SMS messages delivered by mobile phones to improve adherence to cardiovascular medications in patients with ASCVD. The intervention consists of behavioural techniques delivered via SMS. The primary outcome is change in blood serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels as an indicator of adherence to statins. Secondary outcomes will include systolic blood pressure as an indicator of adherence to blood-lowering therapies and heart rate as an indicator of adherence to beta-blockers, urine levels of 11-dehydrothromboxane B2, self-reported adherence to cardiovascular medications and rates of cardiovascular death or hospitalisation due to cardiovascular disease. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study will be performed in compliance with the protocol, regulatory requirements, Good Clinical Practice and ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The Ethics Committee of Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia evaluated and approved the trial. The txt2heart Colombia trial aims to provide robust evidence to evaluate whether SMS messages delivered through mobile telephones change the behaviour of Colombian patients who have suffered a cardiovascular event. Trial results will be presented to the local health authorities, and if the intervention is effective and safe, we hope this strategy will be implemented quickly because of its low cost and wide-reaching impact on the population. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03098186.

Disfunción muscular respiratoria en pacientes llevados a cirugía cardiovascular / Respiratory muscle dysfunction in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar la presencia de las alteraciones en la fuerza muscular respiratoria en pacientes programados para la cirugía cardiovascular, el impacto de la cirugía sobre la función muscular respiratoria y su relación con las alteraciones ventilatorias en el postoperatorio mediato. Métodos: Estudio observacional prospectivo. Se realizaron pruebas de funcionalismo respiratorio (espirometría) y pruebas de fuerza muscular respiratoria (inspiratoria: presión inspiratoria máxima y espiratoria: presión espiratoria máxima) en dos momentos: preoperatorio inmediato (2 ± 1 días precirugía) y postoperatorio mediato (2 ± 1 días, antes del alta). Las complicaciones respiratorias incluyeron: la ventilación mecánica prolongada, el tromboembolismo pulmonar, el neumotórax, el hemotórax, la neumonía, el derrame pleural, el edema pulmonar y las atelectasias. Resultados: Se evaluaron 30 pacientes adultos (n = 30) (62 ± 12 años). En el preoperatorio la capacidad espirométrica disminuyó en un 54% (35% alteración obstructiva, 19% no- obstructiva) y la debilidad inspiratoria y espiratoria fue confirmada en un 67 y 100%, respectivamente. Las complicaciones respiratorias estuvieron presentes en un 93% (con mayor frecuencia la atelectasia y el derrame pleural). El deterioro postoperatorio grave de la presión inspiratoria máxima incrementó 10 veces el riesgo de atelectasia (OR = 10, IC 95% 0,85-117,02; p = 0,067). Al alta, la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo fue 29% menor, la capacidad vital forzada -32%, la presión inspiratoria máxima -32% y la presión espiratoria máxima -32% con respecto al valor inicial. Conclusiones: Los pacientes llevados a la cirugía cardiovascular tienen una insospechada disfunción de los músculos respiratorios que empeora con la cirugía y la hospitalización, que se asocia a un incremento del riesgo de complicaciones respiratorias.

Abstract Motivation: To assess the presence of alterations in respiratory muscle strength in patients with a programmed cardiovascular surgery, the impact of the surgery on respiratory muscle function and their relationship with ventilatory alterations during mediate postoperative period. Methods: Prospective observational study. Respiratory function tests (spirometry) and respiratory muscle strength tests (inspiratory: maximum inspiratory pressure, and expiratory: maximum expiratory pressure) were conducted in two moments: immediate preoperative (2 ± 1 days before surgery) and mediate postoperative period (2 ± 1, before being discharged). Respiratory complications included prolonged mechanical ventilation, pulmonary thromboembolism, pneumothorax, hemothorax; pneumonia; pleural effusion; pulmonary edema and atelectases. Results: 30 adult patients were assessed (n = 30) (ages 62 ± 12). Spirometry performance decreased by 54% in the preoperative period (35% obstructive alteration, 19% non-obstructive) and inspiratory and expiratory weakness was confirmed at 67 and 100% respectively. Respiratory complications were present in 93% (more frequently atelectasis and pleural effusion). Severe postoperative deterioration of maximum inspiratory pressure increased by 10-fold the risk of atelectasis (OR = 10, IC 95% 0.85-117.02; p = 0.067). Upon discharge, ejection fraction of the left ventricle was 29% lower, forced vital capacity -32%, maximum inspiratory pressure -32% and maximum expiratory pressure -32% with regards to baseline values. Conclusion: Patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery suffer an unsuspected respiratory muscle dysfunction that worsens with surgery and hospitalisation, associated to a increase of the risk of respiratory complications.

Hospital survival upon discharge of ill-neonates transported by ground or air ambulance to a tertiary center / Sobrevida hospitalar após a alta de neonatos doentes transportados por ambulância terrestre ou aérea para um centro terciário

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the differences in hospital survival between modes of transport to a tertiary center in Colombia for critically ill neonates. Methods: Observational study of seriously ill neonates transported via air or ground, who required medical care at a center providing highly complex services. Data on sociodemographic, clinical, the Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability (TRIPS), and mode of transport were collected. Patients were described, followed by a bivariate analysis with condition (live or dead) at time of discharge as the dependent variable. A multiple Poisson regression with robust variance model was used to adjust associations. Results: A total of 176 neonates were transported by ambulance (10.22% by air) over six months. The transport distances were longer by air (median: 237.5 km) than by ground (median: 11.3 km). Mortality was higher among neonates transported by air (33.33%) than by ground (7.79%). No differences in survival were found between the two groups when adjusted by the multiple model. An interaction between mode of transport and distance was observed. Live hospital discharge was found to be associated with clinical severity upon admittance, birth weight, hemorrhaging during the third trimester, and serum potassium levels when admitted. Conclusions: Mode of transport was not associated with the outcome. In Colombia, access to medical services through air transport is a good option for neonates in critical condition. Further studies would determine the optimum distance (time of transportation) to obtain good clinical outcomes according type of ambulance.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar as diferenças na sobrevida hospitalar entre os modos de transporte para um centro terciário na Colômbia para neonatos gravemente doentes. Métodos: Estudo observacional de neonatos gravemente doentes transportados por ar ou terra que precisam de cuidados médicos em um centro que oferece serviços altamente complexos. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos, clínicos, sobre o Índice de Risco da Estabilidade Fisiológica no Transporte (TRIPS) e o meio de transporte. Os pacientes foram descritos e submetidos a uma análise bivariada e a variável dependente foi a condição (vivo ou morto) no momento da alta. Uma regressão múltipla de Poisson com modelo de variância robusta foi usada para ajustar as associações. Resultados: Foram transportados 176 neonatos por ambulância (10,22% pelo ar) ao longo de seis meses. As distâncias foram maiores pelo ar (mediana: 237,5 km) do que por terra (mediana: 11,3 km). A mortalidade foi mais alta entre neonatos transportados pelo ar (33,33%) do que por terra (7,79%). Não foram encontradas diferenças na sobrevida entre os dois grupos após o ajuste com o modelo múltiplo. Foi observada uma interação entre o meio de transporte e a distância. A alta hospitalar com vida foi associada à gravidade clínica na internação, ao peso ao nascer, à hemorragia durante o terceiro trimestre e aos níveis de potássio sérico na internação. Conclusões: O meio de transporte não foi associado ao resultado. Na Colômbia, o acesso a serviços médicos por transporte aéreo é uma boa opção para neonatos em condições críticas. Estudos adicionais determinariam a distância ideal (tempo de transporte) para obter bons resultados clínicos de acordo com o tipo de ambulância.

Hospital survival upon discharge of ill-neonates transported by ground or air ambulance to a tertiary center.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the differences in hospital survival between modes of transport to a tertiary center in Colombia for critically ill neonates. METHODS: Observational study of seriously ill neonates transported via air or ground, who required medical care at a center providing highly complex services. Data on sociodemographic, clinical, the Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability (TRIPS), and mode of transport were collected. Patients were described, followed by a bivariate analysis with condition (live or dead) at time of discharge as the dependent variable. A multiple Poisson regression with robust variance model was used to adjust associations. RESULTS: A total of 176 neonates were transported by ambulance (10.22% by air) over six months. The transport distances were longer by air (median: 237.5km) than by ground (median: 11.3km). Mortality was higher among neonates transported by air (33.33%) than by ground (7.79%). No differences in survival were found between the two groups when adjusted by the multiple model. An interaction between mode of transport and distance was observed. Live hospital discharge was found to be associated with clinical severity upon admittance, birth weight, hemorrhaging during the third trimester, and serum potassium levels when admitted. CONCLUSIONS: Mode of transport was not associated with the outcome. In Colombia, access to medical services through air transport is a good option for neonates in critical condition. Further studies would determine the optimum distance (time of transportation) to obtain good clinical outcomes according type of ambulance.

Setting Up an ECMO Program in a South American Country: Outcomes of the First 104 Pediatric Patients.

BACKGROUND: Less than 1% of the extracorporeal life support organization (ELSO) registry patients are from South America. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an expensive therapy not only in terms of direct financial cost but also with respect to technical and human resources. Finding a successful ECMO model that developing countries can afford is critical to the expansion of therapy to include the availability of this technology for patients in the developing world. METHODS: We retrospectively studied the first 104 pediatric ECMO patients in the Fundacion Cardiovascular de Colombia between May 2007 and May 2013. We collected the ELSO registry data from electronic medical records to determine the survival rate, mortality risk factors, and complications in pediatric patients who received ECMO support for cardiac failure, respiratory failure, or ECMO for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the setting of refractory cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We describe our model of ECMO care regarding staff, training process, care protocol, ECMO circuit, and costs. RESULTS: Of 104 patients, 82 were diagnosed with congenital heart disease. Of those, 50 had biventricular and 32 had univentricular physiology, with a significantly higher survival rate at discharge in the biventricular group (44% vs 18.7%, odds ratio [OR] 3.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.28-10.52, P = .01). Pediatric patients with a cardiac indication had survival rates of 76.3% at weaning and 52.6% at discharge, which is roughly comparable to those reported by the ELSO in 2013. Univentricular physiology, ECPR, severe pre-ECMO acidosis, ECMO-associated renal failure, and duration of ECMO support were factors associated with increased mortality. CONCLUSION: Despite limited availability of technical and economic resources, ECMO therapy can be done successfully in a developing country. A model of care based on nurses as ECMO specialists, supported by a multidisciplinary team, is cost-effective.

Patient Outcomes of an International Telepediatric Cardiac Critical Care Program.

BACKGROUND: An optimal model for telemedicine use in the international care setting has not been established. Our objective was to describe variables associated with patient outcome during the implementation of an international pediatric cardiac critical care (PCCC) telemedicine program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of clinical records and a telemedicine database of patients admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) at the Fundacion Cardiovascular de Colombia, Bucaramanga, Colombia, during the initial 10 months of our program, compared with patients admitted during a previous period. Information collected included demographic data, cardiac diagnosis and associated factors, Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery (RACHS)-1 classification, and perioperative events. Primary outcome was composed of CICU and hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were CICU and hospital length of stay (LOS). RESULTS: Of the 553 patients who were included, teleconsultation was done for 71 (12.4%), with a total of 156 encounters, including 19 for patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Three hundred twenty-one recommendations were given, and 42 real-time interventions were documented. RACHS-1 distribution was similar between study periods (p=0.427). Teleconsulted patients were significantly younger (44 versus 24 months; p=0.03) and had higher surgical complexity than nonteleconsulted patients (p=0.01). RACHS-1 adjusted hospital survival was similar between study periods. CICU and hospital LOS intervals were significantly shorter in the telemedicine period (10 versus 17 days [p=0.02] and 22 versus 28 days [p<0.001]). In surgical cases, preoperative CICU LOS was significantly shorter (3 versus 6 days; p<0.001). Variables associated with hospital mortality were higher RACHS-1 categories, lower weight, bypass time longer than 150 min, and use of circulatory arrest, as well as the presence of sepsis or necrotizing enterocolitis. Those associated with increased LOS were lower weight, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and cross-clamp time longer than 60 min. CONCLUSIONS: An international telemedicine service in PCCC was associated with lower CICU and hospital LOS. Prospective telemedicine interventions aimed to decrease mortality and LOS should focus on patients with higher RACHS-1 categories, lower-weight infants, and those with prolonged operative time and selective perioperative complications.

Intra-hospital mortality among neonates transported by ambulance in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to identify the main variables associated with intra-hospital mortality among patients transferred to a specialized neonatal care center, and to evaluate agreement and accuracy of referring and admission diagnoses. METHODS: A 6 month observational study was conducted to obtain clinical variables for intra-hospital mortality among patients requiring interfacility transport. Association among variables was estimated using Poisson regression with robust variance. Agreement was evaluated between diagnosis before and after transfer using Cohen's kappa, sensitivity, specificity and Youden's I. RESULTS: The study included 191 neonates, 12.57% of whom died. Increased mortality was associated with the Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability (TRIPS). The associated variables were as follows: TRIPS (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.08), weight 1500-2499 g (aPR, 0.08; 95%CI: 0.01-0.40), weight >2500 g (aPR, 0.56; 95%CI: 0.02-0.19), cardiopathy (aPR, 0.20 95%CI: 0.05-0.75), congenital defects (aPR, 4.59; 95%CI: 0.97-21.82) and renal failure (aPR, 3.69; 95%CI: 1.26-10.78). Diagnosis remained unchanged for 71.15% of the neonates. The greatest differences were hyaline membrane disease (49.4%) followed by transient tachypnea (59.9%). Youden's I for referral diagnosis was 0.22 for transient tachypnea, 0.66-0.69 for cardiopathy, esophageal atresia and pneumonia, 0.72-0.74 for hyaline membrane disease and pulmonary hypertension, and >0.90 for the remaining diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: Weight <1500 g, renal failure, congenital defects (except congenital cardiopathies) and high TRIPS were associated with a higher risk of intra-hospital mortality. The findings suggest that improving transfer time and quality of care in ambulances would decrease mortality.