Anti PCSK9 Monoclonal Antibody Treatment in Elderly Patients: A Real-world Clinical Experience.

BACKGROUND: The use of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 monoclonal antibodies (PCSK9 mAbs) is emerging for lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). However, real-world data is lacking for their use among elderly patients. OBJECTIVES: To define the characteristics of elderly patients treated with PCSK9 mAbs and to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability compared with younger patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of elderly patients (≥ 75 years at enrollment) treated with PCSK9 mAbs for primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention. Data were retrieved for demographic and clinical characteristics; indications for treatment; agents and dosages; concomitant lipid lowering treatment; LDL-C levels at baseline, 6, 12 months, and at the end of follow up. Data also included achieving LDL-C target levels and adverse effects. RESULTS: The cohort included 91 elderly patients and 92 younger patients, mean age 75.2 ± 3.76 and 58.9 ± 7.4 years (P < 0.0001). Most patients (82%, 80%) were in high/very high-risk categories. For almost all (98%, 99%), the indication was statin intolerance, with PCSK9 mAb monotherapy the most prevalent regimen. The average follow-up was 38.1 ± 20.5 and 30.9 ± 15.8 months (P = 0.0258). Within 6 months the LDL-C levels were reduced by 57% in the elderly group and by 59% in the control group (P = 0.2371). Only 53% and 57% reached their LDL-C target levels. No clinically significant side effects were documented. CONCLUSIONS: PCSK9 mAbs have similar effects and are well tolerated among elderly patients as in younger patients.

The Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism in the Emergency Department in the DOACs Era.

BACKGROUND: Low-risk venous thromboembolism (VTE) patients are advised to be discharged from the emergency department (ED) on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) treatment. There is no data on whether this recommendation is followed in Israel. OBJECTIVES: To characterize newly diagnosed VTE patients who were discharged from the ED, their anticoagulation treatment at the ED, the recommended discharge protocol, and patient adherence. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study, which included all newly diagnosed VTE patients who were discharged from the ED. Collected data included demographic and clinical background; anticoagulation treatment at the ED, recommended discharge protocol and its subsequent adherence, patient subsequent, recommended hematological evaluation, and adverse events. RESULTS: The study group included 443 patients, 89% with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Approximately three-quarters were treated with anticoagulants in the ED, 98% with enoxaparin. At discharge, anticoagulants were recommended for all; 49% continued enoxaparin, 47% DOACs, and 4% warfarin. After 4 weeks, 67% were treated with DOACs, 22% with enoxaparin, 5% with warfarin. Approximately 6% discontinued all treatment. After 12 weeks, 90% of the patients who were taking DOACs adhered to the protocol, whereas only 70% and 50% among the enoxaparin and warfarin users, respectively, did. Only 56% were referred for hematological evaluation. The 12-week rate of adverse reactions was approximately 2%. The use of DOACs and the recommendation for further hematological evaluation increased over time. CONCLUSIONS: Clinician training regarding discharge of VTE patients from the ED should continue.

Congestive Heart Failure at the Department of Medicine: Demographic and Clinical Characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Congestive heart failure (CHF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) or with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a common diagnosis in patients hospitalized in the department of internal medicine. Recently, the therapeutic regimens were updated, as the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors became an integral part of the therapeutic regimen for either HFrEF or HFpEF. OBJECTIVES: To define the demographic and clinical characteristics of CHF patients hospitalized in the department of medicine. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study that included all patients hospitalized in the departments of medicine at the Rabin Medical Center, Israel, between 2016 and 2019. Demographic and clinical background, in-hospital procedures, discharge regimens, and outcome parameters were evaluated according to HFrEF/HFpEF. RESULTS: The cohort included 4458 patients. The majority (97%) presented with a preexisting diagnosis, whereas HF was an active condition in only half of them. The rates of HFrEF/HFpEF were equal. In most cases, the trigger of the exacerbation could not be determined; however, infection was the most common cause. There were basic differences in the demography, clinical aspects, and therapeutic regimens at discharge between HFrEF and HFpEF. Both conditions were associated with high in hospital mortality (8%) and re-admissions rates (30 days [20%], 90 days [35%]) without any difference between them. CONCLUSIONS: HFrEF/HFpEF patients differed by demographics and co-morbidities. They were equally represented among patients admitted to medical wards and had similar prognosis. For both diagnoses, hospitalization should be considered for updating therapeutic regimens, especially with SGLT2 inhibitors.

Clinical Outcomes of Hospitalized Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant vs. Influenza A During Influenza Season 2021 to 2022: A Retrospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Influenza and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are respiratory diseases with similar modes of transmission. In December 2021, influenza re-emerged after it had been undetected since March 2020 and the Omicron variant replaced the Delta variant. Data directly comparing the two diseases are scarce. OBJECTIVES: To compare the outcomes of patients with both the Omicron variant and influenza during 2021-2022. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study conducted in Beilinson hospital, Israel, from December 2021 to January 2022. We included all hospitalized patients with either laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 or influenza. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. RESULTS: We identified 167 patients diagnosed with Omicron and 221 diagnosed with Influenza A. The median age was 71 years for Omicron and 65 years for influenza. Patients with Omicron had a significantly higher Charlson Comorbidity Index score (4 vs. 3, P < 0.001). Patients with Omicron developed more respiratory failure that needed mechanical ventilation (7% vs. 2%, P = 0.05) and vasopressors (14% vs. 2%, P < 0.001) than patients with influenza. In a multivariate model, 30-day mortality was lower in patients diagnosed with influenza than in patients diagnosed with Omicron (19/221 [9%] vs. 44/167 [26%], hazard ratio 0.45, 95% confidence interval 0.25-0.81). CONCLUSIONS: Patients diagnosed with Omicron had higher mortality than patients diagnosed with seasonal influenza. This finding could be due to differences in co-morbidities, the virus pathogenicity, and host responses to infection.

Treatment with Anti-PCSK9 Monoclonal Ab: Experience from a Lipid Clinic in Israel.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing use of anti-protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs); however, real-world data is lacking. OBJECTIVES: To define the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients treated with anti-PCSK9 mAbs. To evaluate efficacy, tolerability, and differences between the approved agents. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients treated at the lipid clinic at Rabin Medical Center (Beilinson Campus), Israel, from January 2016 to December 2019. Data from electronic records were evaluated for demographic and clinical characteristics, indication for use, response of lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)/non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels and reaching target levels, side effects, tolerability, differences between the agents, and doses. RESULTS: The study cohort included 115 patients. Two-thirds (n=75) were at high cardiovascular risk, the rest at very high risk (n=40). The major indication for treatment was statin intolerance (n=97, 84%). Most patients (n=102, 88%) were treated by anti-PCSK9 mAbs agents only. LDL-C and non-HDL-C levels were decreased by 47% and 39%, respectively (156 + 49 to 81 + 39 and 192 + 53 to 116 + 42 mg/dl), within 6 months and remained stable. Two-thirds (n=76) of the patients reached their lipid target levels. No clinically significant differences were observed between the agents in efficacy or tolerability. CONCLUSIONS: In a real-world setting, anti-PCSK9 mAbs are used primarily as a single agent in high-risk and very high-risk cardiovascular populations with statin intolerance. They are well tolerated and effective in reduction of LDL-C levels. Further studies are needed to clarify comparisons between agents and doses.

The impact of obesity on seasonal influenza: a single-center, retrospective study conducted in Israel.

Obesity is associated with an increased susceptibility to infections. Several studies have reported adverse clinical outcomes of influenza among obese individuals. Our aim was to examine the association between obesity and the clinical outcomes of hospitalized adult patients ill with seasonal influenza. Consecutive hospitalized adult patients between 10/2017 and 4/2018 with laboratory confirmed influenza A and B were divided into an obese group (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2) and controls. The primary outcome was a composite endpoint of 30-day all-cause mortality, vasopressor use, mechanical ventilation, ICU admission, and severe influenza complication (myocarditis and encephalitis). Secondary outcomes encompassed all the components of the primary outcome, 90-day all-cause mortality, occurrence of pneumonia, length of hospital stay, and 90-day readmission rates. The study comprised 512 hospitalized adults diagnosed with laboratory-confirmed influenza A (195/512) and B (317/512). Within this group, 17% (86/512) were classified obese; the remaining 83% (426/512) were controls. Results of the composite outcome (7/85, 8% vs. 45/422, 11%; p=0.5) and the crude 30-day all-cause mortality rate (5/86, 6% vs. 34/426, 8%, p=0.5) were similar between the two groups. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that obesity was not a significant risk factor for influenza adverse events (OR=1.3, CI 95% 0.3-3.3; p=0.5), whereas advanced age, chronic kidney disease, and hypoalbuminemia were significant risk factors (OR=1.03, OR=2.7, and OR=5.4, respectively). Obesity was not associated with influenza-related morbidity and mortality among the hospitalized adults during the 2017-2018 influenza season. Further studies researching different influenza seasons are essential.

Thrombin Generation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

BACKGROUND: The optimal antithrombotic treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) that undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is controversial. Dual therapy (clopidogrel and a direct oral anticoagulant [DOAC]) is safer than triple therapy (warfarin, aspirin, and clopidogrel), while efficacy is unclear. We aimed to evaluate thrombin generation (TG) under dual and triple therapy. METHODS: A noninterventional prospective trial in patients with AF undergoing PCI. Patients received 4 weeks of triple therapy with aspirin, clopidogrel, and a DOAC followed by aspirin withdrawal. TG was measured in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) at 3 five to 21 points, day 1 after PCI (TIME 0), 4 weeks after PCI (TIME 1), and 2 weeks after aspirin withdrawal (TIME 2). RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (18 men, median age 78 years, 83% with acute coronary syndrome) were included. Endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) in PPP was high at TIME 0 compared with TIME 1 (ETP 3,178 ± 248 nM vs. 2,378 ± 222 nM, p = 0.005). These results remained consistent when measured in PRP. No significant difference in ETP was found before (TIME 1) and after aspirin withdrawal (TIME 2) although few patients had high ETP levels after stopping aspirin. CONCLUSIONS: TG potential is high immediately after PCI and decreases 4 weeks after PCI in patients receiving triple therapy. TG remains constant after aspirin withdrawal in most patients, suggesting that after 1 month the antithrombotic effect of dual therapy may be similar to triple therapy.

Apixaban in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Severe Renal Dysfunction: Findings from a National Registry.

BACKGROUND: Real-world information regarding the use of direct oral anticoagulants therapy and the outcome in patients with renal dysfunction is limited. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and severe renal dysfunction who are treated with apixaban. METHODS: A sub-analysis was conducted within a multicenter prospective cohort study. The study included consecutive eligible apixaban- or warfarin-treated patients with non-valvular AF and renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] modification of diet in renal disease [MDRD] < 60 ml/min/BSA) were registered. All patients were prospectively followed for clinical events and over a mean period of 1 year. Our sub-analysis included the patients with 15 < eGFR MDRD < 30 ml/min/BSA. The primary outcomes at 1 year were recorded. They included mortality, stroke or systemic embolism, major bleeding, and myocardial infarction as well as their composite occurrence. RESULTS: The sub-analysis included 155 warfarin-treated patients and 97 apixaban-treated ones. All had 15 < eGFR MDRD < 30 ml/min/BSA. When comparing outcomes for propensity matched groups (n=76 per group) of patients treated by reduced dose apixaban or warfarin, the rates of the 1-year composite endpoint as well as mortality alone were higher among the warfarin group (30 [39.5%] vs. 14 [18.4%], P = 0.007 and 28 [36.8%] vs.12 [15.8%], P = 0.006), respectively. There was no significant difference in the rates of stroke, systemic embolism, or major bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Apixaban might be a reasonable alternative to warfarin in patients with severe renal impairment.

[RESEARCH AND CLINICAL PRACTICE- THE SOUL AND BREATH OF INTERNAL MEDICINE].

BACKGROUND: We welcome the readers of Harefuah to the following issue that deals with the research and clinical practice that was carried out in this challenging year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the high hospitalization rates throughout the country in these times, our clinicians found the spirit to continue and conduct their research activities. The following issue presents the essence of the good clinical practice along with interesting research outcomes.

[TREATMENT OF HOMOZYGOTES OF FAMILIAL HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA: RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ISRAELI SOCIETY OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS].

INTRODUCTION: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by mutations affecting the function of the LDL receptor. In the Israeli population, the carrier heterozygote state is quite common, with the prevalence of 1:250, and the estimated prevalence of homozygote (hoFH) patients is 1:500,000. The life span of untreated hoFH patients is significantly shortened due to premature atherosclerosis and cardiovascular mortality. The basis of the appropriate treatment for hoFH is aggressive lipid lowering therapy from an early age and therefore, our approach is intensive LDL-C lowering as soon as the diagnosis is made. We recommend referring patients with hoFH to lipid-specialist clinics .We recommend genetic evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and cascade screening of family members for heterozygosity. Lipid goals are as recommended by the European Atherosclerosis Society. Aggressive and low as possible LDL-C targets (at least 50% reduction) are recommended. The initial treatment is high-dose potent statin and additional ezetimibe10 mg daily. PCSK9 inhibitor - Evolocumab is a novel additional option for hoFH with residual LDL receptor activity. The most effective method of reduction of plasma LDL levels is LDL-C apheresis. Lomitapide is a microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) inhibitor that should be added to reduce the frequency of the apheresis procedures.

[UPDATED ISRAELI GUIDELINES FOR THE TREATMENT OF DYSLIPIDEMIA 2020].

INTRODUCTION: Despite the impressive decline in mortality from atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD), these diseases still account for a large proportion of the overall morbidity and mortality worldwide. A vast amount of research has demonstrated the key role played by circulating lipoproteins, and especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL), in the etiology of atherosclerosis, and numerous studies have proven the efficacy of interventions that lower the atherogenic lipoproteins in reducing morbidity and mortality from ASCVD. While previous guidelines placed an emphasis on the use HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) for the treatment of dyslipidemia, recent studies have shown that other LDL cholesterol lowering drugs, including ezetimibe and the PCSK9 inhibitors, can provide additional benefit when used in combination with (and in certain cases instead of) statins. These studies have also shown that blood LDL cholesterol levels lower than previously recommended targets provide additional benefit, without evidence of a threshold beyond which the benefit ceases and without excess adverse effects. The updated guidelines were formulated by a committee that consisted of representatives from the Israeli Society for the Research, Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis, the Israel Society of Internal Medicine, the Israeli Heart Association, the Israeli Neurology Association and the Israel Association of Family Medicine. They provide recommendations for revised risk stratification of patients, novel target goals, and the use of evidence-based treatment and follow-up strategies with reference to specific patient sub-groups.

Chronic use of oral iron supplements is associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with gram-negative bacteremia.

An unabsorbed dietary iron supplementation can modify the colonic microbiota equilibrium and favor the growth of pathogenic strains over barrier strains. Nevertheless, the impact of oral iron supplements (OIS) use on the clinical outcomes of patients with gram-negative bacteremia (GNB) has not been evaluated. To explore the impact of OIS on the outcomes of patients with GNB. A retrospective study conducted in a tertiary hospital including patients with GNB during 2011-2016. The entire cohort was divided into chronic OIS users (study group) and nonusers (control group). The two groups were compared for the study outcomes, septic shock at presentation, length of hospital stay (LOS), and short-term mortality. The study cohort included 232 patients; 44 patients in the study group and 188 in the control one. There was no any significant difference in demographic and comorbidities characteristics between the two groups. Escherichia coli comprised the majority of bacteria (69%), while the urinary tract was the main source of the bacteremia. OIS alone and after adjustment was significantly associated with septic shock at presentation (OR = 2, CI95% [1.03-5], p = 0.04 and OR = 5, CI95% [1.4-15], p = 0.01, respectively). By multivariate analysis, OIS was significantly associated with 30-day mortality (OR = 3, CI95% [1.05-7], p = 0.04), but had no impact on LOS (16 + 23 vs. 12 + 15, p = 0.9). There is a significant association between chronic OIS exposure and increased adverse outcomes in patients with GNB. These findings might have important clinical implications.

Statins and outcomes of hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed 2017-2018 influenza.

No studies evaluating the association between statins and outcomes of patients with seasonal influenza have been performed since the 2007-2008 and the 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza seasons. All consecutive hospitalized patients between October 2017 and April 2018, diagnosed with laboratory-confirmed influenza A and B virus, were included. Patients were divided into two groups: statin and non-statin users. Outcomes were 30- and 90-day mortality, complications (pneumonia, myocarditis, encephalitis, intensive care unit (ICU) transfer, mechanical ventilation, vasopressor support), length of hospital stay, and readmission rates. A multivariate analysis was performed to adjust for mortality risk factors. To compare the groups, we matched patients to the nearest neighbor propensity score. Of the 526 patients ill with influenza A (201/526) and B (325/526), 36% (188/526) were statin users; 64% (338/526) were not. Statin users were older (78 vs.70; p = < 0.05) and suffered from more comorbidities (Charlson comorbidity scores of 6 vs.4; p < 0.005). The 30-day mortality rate among statin vs. non-statin users was 6% vs. 8% (p = 0.3). On multivariate analysis, statin use was not associated with mortality benefit (OR = 0.67 (0.29-1.36)). After propensity score matching, the results were unchanged (OR = 0.71 (0.29-1.71)). Statin users were diagnosed with less complicated diseases as they were less likely to receive vasopressor support, mechanical ventilation, and/or transfer to the ICU. Although statin users were significantly older and exhibited more comorbidities, 30-day mortality rates did not differ between statin users and non-users, which may signify a protective role of statins on seasonal influenza patients. Further studies performed during different influenza seasons and different subtypes are essential.

[THE MANAGEMENT OF VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM IN A TERTIARY HOSPITAL - THE PRE DIRECT ORAL ANTICOAGULANTS (DOACS) ERA].

BACKGROUND: The use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) provides immediate and useful anticoagulation without the need of monitoring. The recent expansion in use of DOACs might change the therapeutic approaches in venous thromboembolism (VTE). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the treatment of VTE as well as the 90-days compliance with anticoagulants in the pre-DOACs era. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted at Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center. Inclusion criteria entailed: patients >18 years old; new lower extremities deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, diagnosed at ER between May, 2014 and May, 2015. Patients with previous diagnosis; upper extremities or inner organs thrombosis or with missing data were excluded. Data collected included: gender and age, comorbidity with active malignancy, provoked/unprovoked events, hospitalization and length of stay, anticoagulation treatment during hospitalization and discharge, recommendations for duration of treatment or further hematologist's evaluation and 90-days compliance with anticoagulation treatment. RESULTS: The study group included 208 patients, 29% with active malignancy. All were hospitalized. In 54% of the subjects without active malignancy the event was provoked, whereas in 46% unprovoked. This detail was not discussed in any of the cases. The average length of stay tended to be longer in patients with a complete switch to warfarin than in ones on DOACs (10.3+7.5 vs. 6.4+5.2 days, p=0.09). Recommendations for the length of treatment or the need for further evaluation by a hematologist were not found in the majority. The overall 90-days compliance with anticoagulants was 47%. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the therapeutic approach errors might be resolved during the expanded use of DOACs, along with the simplicity of the recommendations at discharge. The study was supported by an educational grant from Pfizer, Inc.

The Association Between the Risk Scores for Cardiovascular Disease and Long-Term Mortality Following an Acute Coronary Event.

BACKGROUND: A patient`s individual chance of being diagnosed with cardiovascular disease can be determined by risk scores. OBJECTIVES: To determine the risk score profiles of patients presenting with a first acute coronary event according to pre-admission risk factors and to evaluate its association with long-term mortality. METHODS: The research was based on a retrospective study of a cohort from the 2010 and 2013 Acute Coronary Syndrome Israeli Surveys (ACSIS). Inclusion criteria included first event and no history of coronary heart disease or cardiovascular disease risk equivalent. The Framingham Risk Score, the European Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE), and the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/ (ACC/AHA) risk calculator were computed for each patient. The risk profile of each patients was determined by the three scores. The prognostic value of each score for 5 year survival was evaluated. RESULTS: The study population comprised 1338 patients enrolled in the prospective ACSIS survey. The ACC/AHA score was the most accurate in identifying patients as high risk based on pre-admission risk factors (73% of the subjects). The Framingham algorithm identified 53%, whereas SCORE recognized only 4%. After multivariate adjustment for clinical factors at presentation, we found that no scores were independently associated with 5 year mortality following the first acute coronary event. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with first acute coronary event had a higher pre-admission risk scores according to the ACC/AHA risk algorithm. No risk scores were independently associated with 5 year survival after an event.

[THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN URINE RESIDUAL VOLUME AT ADMISSION AND THE OUTCOMES OF HOSPITALIZED ELDERLY MEN WITH URINARY TRACT INFECTION].

BACKGROUND: Early assessment of urine residual volume (URV) at admission is essential in elderly men with urinary tract infection (UTI). Large URV might predispose these patients to subsequent complications; nevertheless, only scarce data are available concerning the impact of URV on the outcomes of elderly men with UTI. OBJECTIVES: To determine the impact of URV on the outcomes of elderly men hospitalized with UTI, including:  bacteremia rates, length of hospital stay, short and long-term mortality. METHODS: Eligible subjects were hospitalized men aged ≥ 65 years with a discharge diagnosis of UTI whose URV was assessed at presentation. The clinical parameters and outcomes of patients with urinary retention (≥400ml) and ones without (URV ≤ 400ml) were compared. RESULTS: Eighty out of 184 patients (43.5%) had urinary retention while 104 (56.5%) did not. The two groups didn't differ in their demographic and clinical parameters. Large URV at admission was significantly associated with increased 30-day mortality [OR=4 (95% CI 1.15-14), p=0.03] without significant impact on bacteremia rates and length of hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Large URV at admission in elderly men with UTI is associated with increased 30-day mortality. Further prospective studies with different URV cutoffs are needed to explore this association and its pathophysiology.

[THE TREATMENT OF HYPERTENSION BY FIXED DRUG COMBINATIONS IN PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED AT THE DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE].

AIMS: To determine the rate of hypertensive patients hospitalized at the department of medicine who are treated or are candidates for fixed dose drug combinations. BACKGROUND: Despite the high prevalence of hypertension and rates of awareness, The number of patients treated and well controlled are low. The main reasons for not achieving blood pressure target levels are compliance and persistence with drug therapy. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective records review was conducted of hypertensive patients hospitalized at departments of medicine during 2014. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 803 patients' records from 6 medical centers. Half of the study group were males, mean age 75±12 years. The most frequent comorbidities were hyperlipidemia (60%) and diabetes (49%). The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure at admission were 143±27mmHg and 75+16 mmHg, respectively. Only 48% of the patients had well-controlled blood pressure levels. Beta blockers were the most common drug treatment (54%) and only 7% were treated by fixed drug combinations, mainly including diuretics. A quarter of the subjects were treated with one medication, 36%, 21%, 12% by 2, 3 >4 medications, respectively. The candidates for fixed drug combination therapy are unbalanced patients and those who are treated by/with several medications; under these two conditions, half of the patients in our research were found suitable for the fixed drug combination therapy. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to increase the use of fixed dose drug combination medications to achieve better blood pressure control. DISCUSSION: Hospitalization is an opportunity for increasing the use of fixed-dose drug combinations to improve blood pressure control.

[NON-VALVULAR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION AT THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL MEDICINE].

BACKGROUND: Most of the data on atrial fibrillation is known from registries including mostly ambulatory patients. Less is known about atrial fibrillation among patients hospitalized at departments of medicine. OBJECTIVES: To explore the characteristics of atrial fibrillation in patients hospitalized at the departments of medicine, and their management during hospitalization, focusing on anticoagulation treatment. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted based on reviewing patient charts at the departments of medicine of a tertiary medical center. Inclusion criteria: patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation hospitalized during a period of 3 months. The following parameters were collected: age, gender, co-morbidities, cause of index admission, mean hemoglobin, platelets and creatinine levels, CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores and INR levels; rhythm/rate control strategy, anticoagulation and anti-platelets treatments were documented at admission and discharge. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 404 subjects, who had 735 admissions. Mean age was 76±12 years, half were male. The most common co-morbidity was hypertension (73%). Most patients (90%) were diagnosed with atrial fibrillation previous to current admissions, and were at high risk for embolization (CHA2DS2-Vasc ≥3 - 86%) and bleeding (HASBLED ≥ 3 -79%). On admission, in three quarters of the cases patients with established atrial fibrillation were treated by rate control, 45% were not treated by anticoagulants. The therapeutic strategy of rate control or anticoagulation treatment did not change significantly during hospitalization. The rate of anticoagulation treatment did not differ significantly between CHA2DS2-VASc levels. The most predictive parameter for anticoagulants treatment at discharge was previous anticoagulation treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of hospitalization on atrial fibrillation treatment policy is poor. Future registries of hospitalized patients with atrial fibrillation, as well as therapeutic interventions are needed.